Closed by the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2002 as part of a parish
consolidation plan, the St. Laurence parish served its South Shore community
for 118 years. The church and rectory, built in 1911, are part of larger
complex of properties that also include a school and convent.

In 2005 the complex was purchased by Eden Independent Living, which hoped to
carry out a plan, approved by the city’s Plan Commission, to replace the
school with a supportive living facility. It also hoped to find a compatible
use for the church and rectory. The community subsequently objected to the
plan, which has since been put on hold indefinitely.

The Edens group keeps the vacant buildings secure and temporarily has an
occupant in the rectory. However, last year pipes burst in the church,
flooding the basement and causing substantial moisture damage to the
interior. Both buildings are coded orange in the Chicago Historic
Resources Survey, which will trigger a 90-day demolition hold if a
demolition permit is sought by an owner.

The Renaissance Revival church and rectory were designed by Joseph Molitor,
architect of five other orange-rated churches in the city, built between
1896 and 1913.